Nipomo High School FFA members Tyler Korsberg, Lexus Gusman, Andy Hatch and Raymond Marquez pose with their advisor, Russell Zimmerman (center), and their achievements.
Nipomo High School FFA members Tyler Korsberg, Lexus Gusman, Andy Hatch and Raymond Marquez are high school students who can name every shrub and tree they see.
In May, they competed in the nursery/landscape career development event (CDE) at the California FFA state CDE finals held at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo’s campus. Their team took home first, second and third high individual ribbons as well as the first-place silver bowl.
Behind the scenes, these four transformed from being a team to becoming a family with the guidance of their advisor, Russell Zimmerman. It wasn’t the blue ribbons and plaques that made them so close; it was hours of practice and their dedication that made it possible for them to compete at the upcoming National FFA Convention & Expo in the nursery/landscape CDE.
“Our team is so unique and full of life, and I’m so glad I was able to be on this journey with them,” says Korsberg. “They’ve become a huge part of life, and I’ll forever be friends with them.”
Tradition and Toil
Nursery/landscape CDE competitors must give two sets of oral reasons and a transplanting demonstration. It requires the ability to think on your feet, and it tests your memorization skills.
“I used to dread [these portions] because I could never perfectly memorize what to say,” says Gusman. “Though doing it, I learned it’s okay to just go with the flow. As long as I get my main points, those small details don’t need to be perfect.”
After two years of numerous after-school practice sessions, these four became confident in themselves and their public speaking skills. Whether it’s transplanting or identifying more than 200 different plants grown all over California, this CDE has helped them better understand the landscaping business and the field of horticulture as a whole.
Through these two years, they developed several traditions that will last in Nipomo FFA Chapter’s nursery/landscape team. On the way to a Modesto Junior College competition, they stopped at a little stand selling Bonsai trees and purchased one they named Dorris. Ever since then, they ask Dorris for luck before every competition.
“When we got it, I asked it to give me some luck, and it did exactly that,” says Gusman. “Our team placed first and took home the first, second and fourth place individual medals!”
Advice and Gratitude
Their experiences have led them to share valuable insights for aspiring FFA members.
“You have to win like crazy!” says Gusman. “Practice every day, look at what you’re weakest at and improve. Look at what you’re good at and how you can get better. Your team can do it. The first step is to believe you can.”
None of this would have been possible without Zimmerman’s support. Advisors bring wisdom to help their students navigate challenges and achieve their goals in FFA.
Russell Zimmerman (right) congratulates Lexus Gusman (standing) after winning first high individual at the California FFA state CDE finals.
“The time you commit does not go unnoticed and clearly shows how much you believe in our ability to succeed,” Hatch says to Zimmerman. “Thank you for believing in us and caring so much.”
Wish these members a successful and safe trip to Indianapolis in October 2024!
